it is impossible to predict

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "it is impossible to predict" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to express the idea that something cannot be known in advance, with any certainty. For example: "It is impossible to predict the outcome of the election with absolute certainty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The destruction of the joints is different for each patient, and it is impossible to predict its progress [ 5].

BioMed Research International

As it is impossible to predict which patients will respond and which ones will not, predictive biomarkers are urgently needed.

Breast Cancer Research

It is impossible to predict.

The Economist

It is impossible to predict which plans, however.

The New York Times

However, with Roman Shirokov, it is impossible to predict anything.

The Guardian - Sport

With such reactions it is impossible to predict the outcome.

Britannica

It is impossible to predict when prices will turn.

The Economist

Bécel says that it is impossible to predict if and when the dislodged plate might move.

Columbia University

Likewise, it is impossible to predict the provisions of any negotiated contract.

Princeton University

However, it is impossible to predict how long contract negotiations would take.

Princeton University

But it is impossible to predict whether A(H5N1) will become contagious among people.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is impossible to predict" when you want to emphasize the inherent uncertainty and the lack of reliable information for forecasting an outcome. For instance, "Given the volatile market conditions, it is impossible to predict future stock prices".

Common error

Avoid using "it is impossible to predict" when the situation is merely difficult to predict, not truly impossible. Overstating the impossibility can weaken your argument. Instead, opt for phrases like "difficult to predict" or "hard to foresee" when some information, albeit limited, is available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is impossible to predict" functions as a statement expressing the inability to foresee or determine a future outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, indicating its role as a reliable expression of uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is impossible to predict" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase expressing the inability to foresee future outcomes. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure its appropriateness, avoiding overstatement when outcomes are merely difficult, not entirely impossible, to foresee. Alternatives like "it is difficult to foresee" or "hard to say" can offer more nuanced expressions of uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not possible to foresee

Changes foresee to predict, implying a lack of ability to anticipate future events.

it is not feasible to anticipate

Changes impossible to feasible and predict to anticipate, suggesting a lack of practicality in expecting something.

the future is unknowable

Replaces the entire phrase with a statement about the inherent uncertainty of the future.

it's hard to say what will happen

Simplifies the phrase to a more informal expression of uncertainty.

it remains uncertain what will occur

Replaces "impossible to predict" with a more formal expression of uncertainty.

the outcome cannot be determined

Focuses on the inability to determine the result, rather than the act of predicting.

it is difficult to project

Replaces predict with project, implying that future outcomes are hard to estimate or calculate.

it is anyone's guess

Introduces an idiomatic expression indicating complete uncertainty.

there's no way of knowing

Emphasizes the lack of any method to gain knowledge about a future event.

it defies prediction

Uses "defies" to convey that the event actively resists being predicted.

FAQs

How can I use "it is impossible to predict" in a sentence?

You can use "it is impossible to predict" to express that something cannot be known or determined in advance with any certainty. For example, "It is impossible to predict the weather accurately more than a week in advance".

What are some alternatives to saying "it is impossible to predict"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is difficult to foresee", "the future is unknowable", or "it remains uncertain", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "it is impossible to predict"?

While grammatically correct, using "it is impossible to predict" might be an overstatement if the situation is simply very difficult to predict, rather than genuinely impossible. Consider using softer alternatives like "hard to say" or "difficult to project" if some level of prediction is still possible.

What's the difference between "it is impossible to predict" and "it is unlikely to happen"?

"It is impossible to predict" indicates a complete lack of ability to know in advance, whereas "it is unlikely to happen" suggests that while the event could occur, it is improbable based on current information or past experience.